FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2024
Cuyahoga County Voters Pass Issue 55, Secure Vital Funding for Our Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
Cuyahoga County, OH — 11/5 — “The decision by voters to invest additional public resources in Cuyahoga County’s vibrant arts and culture organizations is a testament to the impact it has on our community,” said Assembly for Action’s President and CEO, Jeremy Johnson. This is a monumental decision by Cuyahoga County voters who for the 3rd time in 18 years voted for public funding for nonprofit arts and culture organizations throughout the county. With the approval of this measure, the existing tax on cigarettes will be adjusted, ensuring an estimated $160 million in funding over the next decade. This crucial support will allow Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) to continue enriching Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture landscape through grants that reach a diverse range of nonprofit organizations.
“We are profoundly grateful for the passage of Issue 55. This victory represents a commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and economic growth in our community. Thanks to Cuyahoga County voters, we can continue supporting the organizations and those individuals that benefit from this public investment,” said Chinenye Nkemere, Assembly for the Arts Board Chair.
“The passage of Issue 55 is a powerful vote of confidence for our region’s arts and culture sector. It means we can increase vibrancy in our neighborhoods, boost our economy, provide more education opportunities for young people, and make the arts accessible for all,” said Fred Bidwell, Assembly for Action Board Chair.
CAC, the public agency that invests millions of dollars each year to support the work of hundreds of local arts nonprofits through the use of this cigarette ta, has faced declining revenues as cigarette sales have decreased. By increasing the tax rate from 1.5 cents to 3.5 cents per cigarette, this measure addresses the funding shortfall, enabling CAC to better serve communities, including economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, with free or low-cost programming.
“The passage of Issue 55 is a huge win for Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture community. Our residents have demonstrated an incredible commitment to sustaining the arts and cultural nonprofits that make our region thrive. This funding will allow us to continue making grants that support diverse, accessible, and inspiring arts and culture initiatives that benefit everyone in the county,” said Karolyn Isenhart, Board President of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. “We thank every voter who recognized the importance of the arts to our economy, our neighborhoods, our young people, and our shared quality of life.”
Public funding for nonprofit arts and culture benefits everyone. This increased, longer-term funding will help improve educational outcomes, enhance quality of life, build stronger neighborhoods, and continue to provide family supporting jobs while keeping us on the world stage.. Funding from Issue 55 will continue to touch every corner of Cuyahoga County, impacting the prosperity of hundreds of nonprofit organizations for years to come.
“This support empowers organizations like The Music Settlement to expand and deepen our mission of welcoming and inspiring all to our music and arts community to learn, create, celebrate and heal. This means creating inclusive spaces – where learning flourishes, creativity thrives, celebrations take place, and healing is nurtured – ensuring that the arts are accessible to all, fostering a sense of belonging and connection across our neighborhoods.” said Geralyn M. Presti, President and CEO of The Music School Settlement.
“We’re grateful to our neighbors throughout Cuyahoga County for endorsing the value that arts and culture has on the region, and that, along with our friends and partners at other cultural institutions, we’ll be able to continue to fund programs and events that benefit our communities and have a significant economic impact for all of Northeast Ohio.” said Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“We are deeply grateful to the citizens of Cuyahoga County for their support of arts and culture,” said Great Lakes Theater’s Executive Director, Brian Barasch. “The vital public funding provided by Issue 55 allows us to enrich our community with dynamic performances and impactful arts education programs, which engage over 80,000 adults and students across our region each year. It also enables us to provide valuable jobs for artists, educators, and theater professionals. We are proud to contribute to a thriving cultural landscape that strengthens Northeast Ohio and fosters a more connected future.”
Cuyahoga County’s vote for Issue 55 is a clear message that residents believe in the power of arts and culture to help make our communities stronger, healthier, and better. This investment ensures that Cuyahoga County will be known as a vibrant center for the arts, attracting residents, businesses, and visitors who value a community rich in cultural experiences.
About Assembly for Action:
Assembly for Action is a c4 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting sustainable funding for arts and culture in Cuyahoga County. Assembly for the Action is a key advocate for the expansion of the excise tax on cigarettes working to mobilize voter support and highlight the vital role of arts and culture in the community. Through targeted outreach and education, Assembly aims to ensure the continued vitality and funding of the arts sector.
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Contact:
Jeff Rusnak, 216-970-8888
Izzy Stewart, 440-731-7602